I found a 97 a6 wagon that is being sold for 1k with 150k miles on it. My wife is due in Feb and i wanted to pick something up for a daily driver. The only thing wrong to the sellers knowledge is it's leaking coolant from the front of the engine. I assume it's the waterpump. Are they as easy to work on as our 1.8t?

Euromike

08-12-2010, 12:15 PM

no way. Ive rebuilt 2 of them, and they are much more cramped in the engine bay than a 1.8t. Everything is hard to get to.

Waterpump is easy stuff tho. Pull the front end and do a timing job / waterpump and your good to go.

Check your coolant hoses going to the bottom of the rad. Mine pops off occasionally and leaks.

grillhands

08-12-2010, 02:11 PM

Thanks man i might pick it up. i'm gonna need the extra room soon.

Quattro Fury

08-12-2010, 11:23 PM

My 96 just rolled 206k with no overhauls other than timing belt jobs. Still running the original trans, clutch, etc... They're pretty solid and without S4 turbos to worry about they're basically the 8v of the Audi world...

somebody5788

08-13-2010, 05:46 AM

Despite lack of power the 12v is a superb engine. I wouldn't hesitate to own one if I didn't mind the power.

Kronic Budz

08-13-2010, 02:06 PM

12v is a pretty solid engine. As long as u take care of it will take care of you. Its not by any means fast but it definitely has some torque to play around with. They are cramped and harder to work on id say over a 1.8t.

Ldiaz12

08-13-2010, 04:27 PM

I did My timing belt and it as fairly easy aslong as you know what your doing.. Also label screws and etc.\

Did I mention my engine is bulletproof?

Leoaudiguy

08-14-2010, 11:13 AM

These engines are bullet proof just keep up with the repairs and maintenence and you will love it. With out any turbos it's easier to take care of. I've done many timing belts on the 12v and they are great!